The Republic of Srpska

The 84th anniversary of the crimes committed by the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) against Serbian civilians in the villages of Drakulić, Šargovac and Motike, as well as at the Rakovac mine near Banja Luka, was marked today in the neighbourhood of Drakulić. On February 7, 1942, a total of 2,315 Serbs were brutally killed in one day, including 551 children.

A memorial liturgy was held at the Memorial Church of St. George, led by Bishop Sava of Marča, together with clergy from the Banja Luka Eparchy.

Following the liturgy, a memorial service was held at the Memorial Ossuary in Drakulić for the murdered Serbian civilians, after which wreaths and flowers were laid.

The commemoration was attended by the family members of the victims and the officials of the Republic of Srpska, including the Republic of Srpska Minister of the Interior, Mr Željko Budimir.